How to Set Up a VPN on PlayStation

You know what’s awesome? PlayStation. It’s the ultimate entertainment hub – one minute you’re playing Call of Duty, the next minute you’re chilling with Netflix. Here’s the thing, though: Whenever you connect a device to the internet, you’ve got to think about security and privacy. That’s where VPNs come in.

VPNs route your internet connection through an encrypted tunnel, and at the other end of that tunnel, assign you a new IP address so you can surf in complete anonymity. You get protection from DDoS attacks, shield yourself from hackers stealing your identity and keep your gaming activities private from the government tracking your browsing history. You can also get access to streaming content that’s only available in certain countries.

Sounds awesome, right? Here’s the problem: PlayStation 4 and 5 don’t support VPN apps. That means you can’t just download a VPN app to use a VPN on them. You need a workaround, and lucky for you, we have two proven and tested methods for connecting PlayStations to a VPN. You can either use a VPN router, or you can set up your computer as a virtual router for your PlayStation. We’ll explain how both methods work in this guide.

That’s it. Every time you log on to the internet from your PS4, your connection will be protected by the VPN. Your data will be encrypted, and your actual IP address will be hidden behind an address assigned to you by the VPN.

There is a downside to using this method, though. The VPN connection you set up will be the only VPN setup you’d use. You’d have to start over if you want to change the location of the VPN server you’re connected to. And also, once the VPN is set up, you can’t easily turn it off and on.

Here’s why that matters. One of the side effects of connecting to a VPN is that you get access to streaming options available in the server’s location. If you connect to Japan, for example, you get access to Netflix Japan. However, you also lose access to content available only in your country, and once you’ve watched all the Netflix Japan shows you like, you can’t easily switch to a different server location.

You can easily do those things – turn off the VPN or switch to a different server – if you’re using a VPN app on your smartphone or computer; not on a VPN router though.

Create a Virtual Windows Router

Our second workaround for connecting a PlayStation to a VPN is more user-friendly, at least in terms of switching server locations and turning the VPN on and off. It works the same way as a VPN router, but instead of a real router, you use your computer as a virtual router. That is, your PlayStation gets its internet connection from your laptop or desktop.

Before we dive in, let’s check if your device supports this feature. For Windows laptops and computers, check that your device supports a feature called Mobile Hotspot. For Macs, you need a Macbook with an extra Ethernet port, since Macs can’t receive and broadcast Wi-Fi signals at the same time.

Here are the instructions if you’re on a Windows computer:

1. Choose a VPN. You might want to consider one of our best VPNs for Windows devices.
2. Sign up for a subscription to the VPN.
3. Download the VPN onto your computer and install the software.
4. Log in to the VPN and choose a server.
5. Once you’re connected to the VPN, navigate to Settings.
6. Go to Network & Internet.
7. Navigate to Mobile hotspot.
8. Select Edit under the Network details.
9. Enter your desired Network name and Network password.
10. Click Save.
11. Toggle on the Share my Internet connection with other devices setting.
12. Log on to your PlayStation.
13. Navigate to Settings.
14. Then click on Network and then Set Up Internet Connection.
15. Choose your computer’s new Wi-Fi hotspot.
16. If asked, choose Easy as your connection method.
17. If asked, choose Do Not Use Proxy Server.

Create a Virtual Mac Router

The instructions for using a Mac device as your virtual server are similar, except there’s no Wi-Fi option since Macs can’t send and receive Wi-Fi at the same time.

1. Choose a VPN and sign up for a subscription.
2. Install the VPN app on your Mac.
3. Plug one end of your Ethernet cord into your Mac’s Ethernet port.
4. Go to System Settings.
5. Search for on “Sharing”.
6. Click on “Sharing”.
7. Scroll down to “Internet Sharing” and click on the lowercase “i”.
8. Under Share Your Connection From, choose VPN.
9. Under In To Computer Using, check the box for Wi-Fi.
10. Create a password and a network name.
11. Leave the channel as Default.
12. Set the Security as WPA2 Personal.
13. Click OK.
14. Enable Internet Sharing.
15. Turn your Wi-Fi network on.
16. Plug the other end of your Ethernet cord into your PlayStation’s Ethernet port.
17. Log on to your PlayStation.
18. Go to “Settings”.
19. Click on “Network”.
20. Choose “Use a LAN Cable”.
21. When asked, choose Easy as your connection method.
22. When asked, choose Do Not Use Proxy Server.

Whether you’re using a Windows device or a Mac, the advantage to the virtual modem method is that because you’re using your computer to access the VPN, you’ll be able to use the VPN’s app to adjust settings. This includes changing which servers you connect to.

» Multiple consoles: Learn how to install a VPN on the Xbox

Why You Need a VPN on PlayStation

Look, we get it. Setting up a VPN on your PlayStation isn’t exactly plug-and-play, but trust us. The benefits make it worth the extra effort.

• Security: With cyber threats increasing every year, a VPN shields you from malicious attacks, especially when gaming on public Wi-Fi or during online multiplayer sessions.1
• Privacy: Even if you’re using your PlayStation on your own home ISP, the government can access your browsing history just by subpoenaing your provider. A VPN conceals your IP address, so not even the government can track you.
• Less Lag: When you’re gaming, you want the lowest ping rate possible. Low latency means less lag and better gameplay. A VPN uses a more direct route to send data packets than an ISP. As a result, you get a better ping rate.
• More content: If you’re not using a VPN, you’re probably missing out on tons of content. Streaming services like Netflix, for instance, offer different shows and movies in different countries. To access that content, though, you’ll have to convince the service you’re in the country where it’s offered. To do that, you’ll need a VPN. In the same way, you can get extra gaming content as well.
• No throttling: If you happen to use an ISP that throttles your service each month, a VPN is the answer. A VPN hides your activities behind its own IP addresses, so your ISP can’t tell exactly what you’re doing online. You can surf anywhere and to your heart’s content.

Choosing a PlayStation VPN

No VPN is right for everyone and every situation, but our complete VPN guide has all the information you need to make the perfect choice for your needs.

» Learn about: Installing a VPN on a Nintendo Switch

Recap

Let’s be real – we’d all prefer if Sony just added native VPN support to PlayStation. Gaming privacy shouldn’t require jumping through hoops. Until the company does, though, you now have a couple of options for solving the problem yourself.

We hope this guide will help you to connect to a VPN using alternative methods. There’s no reason you can’t enjoy gaming on PlayStation with ultra-fast speeds and anonymity.